On this day, June 9, in 1930, Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Lingle is killed by mobsters, allegedly over a $100,000 gambling debt owed to Al Capone.
It was well known that Lingle courted both sides of the law, acting as a liaison between Capone and Police Commissioner William P. Russell.
For a hefty price, Lingle tipped Capone about raids on speakeasies and brothels, and spied on rival underworld outfits.
Lingle lived a lavish lifestyle, wore a diamond studded belt that was a gift from Capone, and boasted that he had set the beer prices around town. He had many friends and enemies.
During rush hour, at the central train station, Lingle was shot behind the ear.
At first, Lingle was hailed as a journalistic martyr, until his ties with the mob became revealed. When more facts came to light, Russell resigned.
The hit man was never found and the crime remains unsolved.
Said Capone, “Jake was a dear friend of mine.”
